Handle assembly for vehicular closure panels having integrated antenna and force sensor configuration

ABSTRACT

A vehicular exterior component, such as a handle assembly for a closure of a vehicle, includes a force-based sensor disposed behind an outer wall and responsive to forces applied thereto. The vehicular exterior component may include a force-sensitive printed circuit board (PCB) configured to detect touch forces at either of an inner surface or an outer surface of the outer wall of the vehicular exterior component and to distinguish between those different touch forces in order to provide corresponding unlock or lock signals. A short-range RADAR antenna may be disposed within the vehicular exterior component and adjacent to the outer wall. A passive keyless entry (PKE) antenna may also disposed within the vehicular exterior component and adjacent to the outer wall.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the filing benefits of U.S. provisionalapplication Ser. No. 62/991,169, filed Mar. 18, 2020, and U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 62/935,381, filed Nov. 14, 2019, whichare hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an electronic handle assembly for avehicle closure.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Electronic latch systems, also called smart latches, are becomingincreasingly attractive for vehicle manufacturers to replace mechanicallinkages between handles and other hardware with latch mechanisms invehicle closures, such as doors and lift gates or tailgates. Acapacitive sensor, such as a touch pad, can be used to replace externalhandle switch in such a smart latch system, for example, for entry of acode sequence to open, lock, or unlock the door, or a swipe or wave handgesture. However, capacitive sensors have several disadvantages, such assusceptibility to moisture from rain, melting snow or spilled beverages,which can render switches that use capacitive sensors useless. Further,false activations, due to water presence over the capacitive sensor forexample, may unintentionally cause the release or activation of thesmart latch. Capacitive sensors are also ineffective at detectingtouches by hands covered by items such as gloves or bandages.

Many passenger vehicles and trucks are now equipped with keyless entrysystems that function alone or in combination with a traditionalmechanical-type (i.e., key) entry system. In many instances, the keylessentry system includes a portable device, such as a key fob, havingpushbuttons that can be manipulated to unlock/lock the vehicle doors aswell as perform other functions (e.g., opening a trunk or lift gate,selective activation of alarms, and/or the ignition system) throughencoded RF signals transmitted to a vehicle-installed receiver.Typically, the signals supplied to the receiver are primarily used tocontrol the selective locking and unlocking of a power-operated doorlatch mechanism.

Certain vehicles may be equipped with a vehicle-mounted keyless entrysystem. Typically, a touch device, such as a keypad, is mounted to thevehicle in close proximity to the door handle (e.g., on the door or theB-pillar) which enables an authorized user to enter a passcodeconsisting of a sequence of alpha or numerical codes. Upon verificationof the passcode, an on-board controller unit controls operation of thepower-operated door latch mechanism. The keypad may also be used tocontrol other vehicle operational functions such as, for example, powerrelease of the gas tank cover or the tailgate lift system followingentry and verification of the correct passcode. Some keypads usepushbuttons and/or switches to enter the authentication code. Oneexample of a touchless keyless entry keypad associated with a vehicleentry system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,400,265, the entiredisclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. As disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 8,400,265, a plurality of proximity sensors, such ascapacitive sensors, are used as the code input interfaces associatedwith the keypad.

Still other vehicles may be equipped with a passive keyless entry (PKE)system which utilizes a transmitter carried by the user to provide asignal to the vehicle mounted receiver for controlling activation of thepower-operated door latch mechanism with some limited tactile input fromthe user. Typically, close proximity of the transmitter to the vehicleand a single action, such as touching the door handle or waving inproximity to a motion detector, act to control the locking and unlockingfunction of the vehicle door. While such keyless entry systems havefound widespread applications in vehicle door systems (i.e., passengerdoors, tailgates and closure doors), a need exists to continuallyadvance the art and address known deficiencies associated withconventional keyless entry systems.

Another need to be addressed includes non-contact object detection(NCOD) using sensors mounted in a vehicle and simultaneously providing asmooth appearance on the vehicle. Radar sensors are commonly used fornon-contact object detection in vehicles. Vehicles commonly includeexternal components such as handles or side light modules that may beused to house one or more components of a radar sensor. However, suchexternal components present several considerations, such as limitedpackaging space and transmission of RF radiation through any structureoverlying the radar sensor.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a vehicle exteriorcomponent of a vehicle includes a class-A surface disposed over aforce-based sensor responsive to a force applied to the class-A surface,with the class-A surface including an outer surface facing outwardlyfrom the vehicle, and with an antenna disposed within the vehicleexterior component adjacent to the outer surface and configured totransmit or to receive radio-frequency (RF) radiation through the outersurface.

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, the class-A surfacepresents a smooth and uninterrupted surface in a region around theforce-based sensor. In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, theclass-A surface is configured to deform to transmit a force appliedthereto to the force-based sensor.

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, the vehicle exteriorcomponent includes a handle assembly defining the class-A surface, andthe handle assembly is coupled to a closure of the vehicle. Inaccordance with one aspect of the disclosure, the handle assembly ispivotally coupled to the closure of the vehicle.

It In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, the antenna of thevehicle exterior component includes at least one of a short-range RADARantenna and a passive keyless entry (PKE) antenna configured to receivea radio-frequency (RF) signal from a device located outside of thevehicle. In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, the antennaincludes both of the short-range RADAR antenna and the passive keylessentry (PKE) antenna. In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure,the short-range RADAR antenna, the passive keyless entry (PKE) antenna,and the force-based sensor are all disposed in a common plane.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the force-basedsensor of the vehicle exterior component is responsive to a forceapplied to the outer surface.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the class-A surfaceof the vehicle exterior component includes an inner surface facinginwardly toward the vehicle, and the force-based sensor is responsive toa force applied to the inner surface. In accordance with another aspectof the disclosure, the force-based sensor includes a force-sensitiveprinted circuit board (PCB), and the antenna is disposed in a commonplane with the force-sensitive printed circuit board (PCB).

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the vehicleexterior component includes a post extending into the vehicle exteriorcomponent away from the class-A surface and configured to apply force tothe force-based sensor in response to the force applied to the class-Asurface.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a handle assemblyfor a closure of a vehicle includes a force-based sensor responsive to aforce applied thereto, and an antenna disposed within the handleassembly adjacent to an outer surface and configured to transmit or toreceive radio-frequency (RF) radiation through the outer surface.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the outer surfaceof the handle assembly is configured to deform to transmit a forceapplied thereto to the force-based sensor. In accordance with anotheraspect of the disclosure, the handle assembly is pivotally coupled tothe closure of the vehicle.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the antenna of thehandle assembly includes at least one of a short-range RADAR antenna anda passive keyless entry (PKE) antenna configured to receive aradio-frequency (RF) signal from a device located outside of thevehicle. In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, theantenna of the handle assembly includes both of the short-range RADARantenna and the passive keyless entry (PKE) antenna. In accordance withanother aspect of the disclosure, the short-range RADAR antenna, thepassive keyless entry (PKE) antenna, and the force-based sensor are alldisposed in a common plane.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the handle assemblyfurther includes an inner surface facing inwardly toward the vehicle,and the force-based sensor is responsive to a force applied to the innersurface.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the force-basedsensor of the handle assembly includes a force-sensitive printed circuitboard (PCB), and the antenna is disposed in a common plane with theforce-sensitive printed circuit board (PCB).

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a partial perspective view of a vehicle;

FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic view of a portion of the closure panel shownin FIG. 1A, with various components removed for clarity purposes only,in relation to a portion of the vehicle body and which is equipped witha user interface assembly, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a vehicle and a person holding a deviceemitting RF signals;

FIG. 3 is a partially transparent perspective view of a handle assemblyin accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a partially transparent front view of a handle assembly inaccordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a cut-away top view of the handle assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a cut-away side view of the handle assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of parts within a handle assembly inaccordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a cut-away perspective view of the handle assembly of FIG.5A;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a handle assembly in accordance with anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6B is a cut-away side view of the handle assembly of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a cut-away top view of the handle assembly of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a partially transparent perspective view of a portion of ahandle assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a cut-away side view of the handle assembly of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a finite element analysis (FEA) plot showing a front view ofan inner handle cover and illustrating forces applied by four fingers onan inside surface thereof;

FIG. 8B is a FEA plot showing a rear view of the inner handle cover ofFIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a FEA plot showing a rear view of the inner handle cover ofFIG. 8A and illustrating internal strains resulting from a 10N force atfinger location 1;

FIG. 8D is a FEA plot showing a rear view of the inner handle cover ofFIG. 8A and illustrating internal strains resulting from a 10N force atfinger location 2;

FIG. 8E is a FEA plot showing a rear view of the inner handle cover ofFIG. 8A and illustrating internal strains resulting from a 10N force atfinger location 3;

FIG. 8F is a FEA plot showing a rear view of the inner handle cover ofFIG. 8A and illustrating internal strains resulting from a 10N force atfinger location 4;

FIG. 9 is a system block diagram of the multi-sensor system according toan illustrative example; and

FIG. 10 is an illustrative flowchart of programming steps implemented bythe controller of the multi-sensor system of FIG. 9 , in accordance toan illustrative example.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled inthe art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples ofspecific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not beemployed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many differentforms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of thedisclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes,well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are notdescribed in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and“having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood thatadditional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element orlayer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engagedto,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another elementor layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Otherwords used to describe the relationship between elements should beinterpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directlybetween,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatiallyrelative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depictedin the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turnedover, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

The present disclosure provides for a vehicle exterior component of avehicle that includes wall or structure having a class-A surfacedisposed over a force-based sensor responsive to a force applied at theclass-A surface (such as responsive to a force at or above a thresholdforce, such as, for example, at or above 5 N or at or above 10 N or ator above 20 N or any other suitable threshold force detected at thecomponent), and an antenna disposed within the vehicle exteriorcomponent adjacent to the outer surface and configured to transmit or toreceive radio-frequency (RF) radiation through the outer surface. Ahandle assembly for a closure of a vehicle is shown and described as anexample vehicle exterior component. However, the exterior vehiclecomponent may take other forms, such as an applique, a keypad, or aregion or housing of a closure or other vehicle component, such as anexterior mirror.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there is provided a power dooractuation system 20′ is diagrammatically shown in FIG. 1B to include apower-operated swing door presenter mechanism, also referred to as powerswing door actuator 32′, comprised of an electric motor 24′, a reductiongeartrain 26′, a slip clutch 28′, and a drive mechanism 30′ whichtogether define powered door presenter assembly 22′ that is mountedwithin an interior chamber 34′ of door 14, also referred to as door 12′,for moving door 14. Presenter assembly 22′ also includes a connectormechanism 36′ configured to connect an extensible member of drivemechanism 30′ to a portion of vehicle body 14′. Other types of presentermechanisms may be provided, such as those whereby the connectormechanism 36′ remains disconnected with from a portion of vehicle body14′ and is configured to urge or “push” the door 12′ to a “presentedposition” (e.g., to create a 20 mm and 70 mm gap between the door edge114′ and the vehicle body 14′). Presenter assembly 22′ further includesa support structure, such as an actuator housing 38′, configured to besecured to door 12′ within chamber 34′ and to enclose electric motor24′, reduction geartrain 26′, slip clutch 28′ and drive mechanism 30′therein.

As also shown, an electronic control module 52′, also referred to as anelectronic control unit or controller, is in communication with electricmotor 24′ for providing electric control signals thereto. Electroniccontrol module 52′ may also be in communication with user interfaceassembly/system 10 as described herein below for receiving controlsignals thereto, for example to command electronic control module 52′ tocontrol actuation system 20′. Electronic control system, also referredto electronic control module 52′, may include a microprocessor 54′ and amemory 56′ having executable computer readable instructions storedthereon for execution by the microprocessor 54′. Electronic controlmodule 52′ may include hardware and/or software components. Electroniccontrol module 52′ can be integrated into, or directly connected to,actuator housing 38′ or may be a remotely located device within doorchamber 34′ or may be integrated into latch assembly 21′.

Although not expressly illustrated, electric motor 24′ can includeHall-effect sensors for monitoring a position and speed of vehicle door12′ during movement between its open and closed positions. For example,one or more Hall-effect sensors may be provided and positioned to sendsignals to electronic control module 52′ that are indicative ofrotational movement of electric motor 24′ (e.g., a motor shaft) andindicative of the rotational speed of electric motor 24′, e.g., based oncounting signals from the Hall-effect sensor detecting a target on amotor output shaft. In situations where the sensed motor speed isgreater than a threshold speed and where the current being supplied tothe motor 24′ (e.g., as detected by a current sensor or sensingcircuitry) registers a significant change in the current draw,electronic control module 52′ may determine that the user is manuallymoving door 12′ while motor 24′ is also operating, thus moving vehicledoor 14. Electronic control module 52′ may then send a signal toelectric motor 24′ to stop motor 24′ and may even disengage slip clutch28′ (if provided) to facilitate manual override movement. Conversely,when electronic control module 52′ is in a power open or power closemode and the Hall-effect sensors indicate that a speed of electric motor24′ is less than a threshold speed (e.g., zero) and a current spike isregistered either directly or indirectly by microprocessor 54′ and/orany current sensing circuitry, electronic control module 52′ maydetermine that an obstacle is in the way of vehicle door 12′, in whichcase the electronic control system may take any suitable action, such assending a signal to turn off electric motor 24′. As such, electroniccontrol module 52′ receives feedback from the Hall-effect sensors toensure that a contact obstacle has not occurred during movement ofvehicle door 12′ from the closed position to the partially-openposition, or vice versa. Other position sensing techniques to determinethat the door 12′ is being moved, either by the electrical motor 24′and/or a manual user control are also possible.

As is schematically shown in FIG. 1B, electronic control module 52′ maybe in communication with a remote key fob 60′ and/or with an externaldoor-mounted switch 62′ (contact such as a piezoelectric switch, orcontactless such as a capacitive sensor) for receiving a request from auser to open or close vehicle door 12′. Put another way, electroniccontrol module 52′ receives a command signal from either remote key fobvia a key fob sensor 60′ and/or door switch 62′ to initiate an openingor closing of vehicle door 12′. Upon receiving a command signal,electronic control module 52′ proceeds to provide a signal to electricmotor 24′ in the form of a pulse width modulated voltage (for speedcontrol) as an example to turn on motor 24′ and initiate pivotalswinging movement of vehicle door 12′. While providing the signal,electronic control module 52′ also obtains feedback from the Hall-effectsensors of electric motor 24′ to ensure that a contact obstacle has notoccurred. If no obstacle is present, motor 24′ will continue to generatea rotational force to actuate spindle drive mechanism 30′. Once vehicledoor 12′ is positioned at the desired location, motor 24′ is turned offand the “self-locking” gearing associated with gearbox 26′ causesvehicle door 12′ to continue to be held at that location, therebyproviding an automatic door checking function. If a user tries to movevehicle door 12′ to a different operating position, electric motor 24′will first resist the user's motion (thereby replicating a door checkfunction) and eventually release and allow door 12′ to move to the newlydesired location. Again, once vehicle door 12′ is stopped, electroniccontrol module 52′ will provide the required power to electric motor 24′to hold it in that position. If the user provides a sufficiently largemotion input to vehicle door 12′ (i.e., as is the case when the userwants to close the door), electronic control module 52′ will recognizethis motion via the Hall effect pulses and proceed to execute a fullclosing operation for vehicle door 12′.

Electronic control module 52′ can also receive an additional input fromproximity sensor, such as a radar sensor 64′ positioned on a portion ofvehicle door 12′, such as on a door mirror 65′ or the like. Radar sensor64′ detects if an obstacle, such as another car, tree, or post, is nearor in close proximity to vehicle door 12′. If such an obstacle ispresent, radar sensor 64′ will send a signal to electronic controlmodule 52′ and electronic control module 52′ will proceed to turn offelectric motor 24′ to stop movement of vehicle door 12′, therebypreventing vehicle door 12′ from hitting the obstacle. This provides anon-contact obstacle avoidance system. In addition, or optionally, acontact obstacle avoidance system, such as a pinch detection system, canbe placed in vehicle 10′ which includes a contact sensor 66 mounted todoor, such as in association with molding component 67′, and which isoperable to send a signal to controller 52′ that an obstacle isdetected, such as a user's finger detected in a gap between the vehiclebody 14′ and the door 12′.

Power door actuation system 20′ is also shown schematically in FIG. 1Bwith latch assembly 21′ having a latch mechanism 70′, a latch releasemechanism 72′, and a power-operated release actuator such as an electricpower release motor 74′. For purposes of illustration only controlmodule 52′ is shown in communication with electric power release motor74′ so as to also act as a latch controller for controlling operation oflatch assembly 21′. Alternatively, latch assembly 21′ may be providedwith its own latch controller 40 in a manner as described below. Controlmodule 52′ can be an integrated configuration or a pair of distinctcontrollers associated with presenter assembly 22′ and latch assembly21′. Key fob sensor 60′ and/or door switch 62′ are again used toauthenticate the user and control the power release (and power lock)function.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a vehicle and a person holding a device 100emitting a radio frequency (RF) signal 102. The device 100 may be a keyfob or another device, such as a smartphone or a smart watch configuredto emit the RF signal. Alternatively or additionally, the device 100 maybe a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device for a passive keylessentry (PKE) of the vehicle 16, in which the user interfaceassembly/system 10 of the vehicle 16 is configured to respond topresence of the RF signal 102. FIG. 2 also shows RADAR beams 104defining coverage areas sensed by a RADAR antenna within the userinterface assembly/system 10, which takes the form of a handle assembly110 of a side door of the vehicle 16.

FIG. 3 is a partially transparent perspective view of a handle assembly110 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The handleassembly 110 shown in FIG. 3 includes an outer cover 112 disposed over ahandle body 116. A RADAR antenna 120 is disposed within the handleassembly 110 between the outer cover 112 and the handle body 116 andadjacent to a radome region of the outer cover 112. The RADAR antenna120 may be, for example, an 80 GHz short-range RADAR. A force-sensitiveprinted circuit board (PCB) 130 is also disposed within the handleassembly 110 between the outer cover 112 and the handle body 116. ThePCB 130 is also disposed adjacent to the outer cover 112 and isco-planar with the RADAR antenna 120. The PCB 130 defines a cutout area132 in which a passive keyless entry (PKE) antenna 134, or third sensor,is disposed. The PKE antenna 134 is also co-planar with the PCB 130 andthe RADAR antenna 120.

FIGS. 4A-4C show the handle assembly 110 in accordance with anembodiment of the disclosure. Specifically, the handle assembly 110includes the outer cover 112, which defines an outer surface 113 thatfaces outwardly away from the vehicle. The outer surface 113 is aclass-A surface that is intended to be seen and/or touched by a user(such as an outer surface of the handle body or portion of the doorhandle assembly that is seen and touched or grasped by the user). In theillustrated embodiment, the outer surface 113 is an outer surface of thehandle body or handle portion of the door handle assembly. The handlebody 116 of the handle assembly 110 also defines an inner wall orstructure having an inner surface 117 that faces inwardly toward thevehicle. The inner surface 117 may also comprise a class-A surface thatis intended to be seen and/or touched by the user.

As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the RADAR beams 104 project through theradome area 122 of the outer cover 112 to and from the RADAR antenna 120within the handle assembly 110, thus enabling the RADAR antenna 120 tosense objects near the vehicle. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG. 4B, the radome area 122 of the outer cover 112 may have a thicknessof 3.0 mm. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 4B, the outer cover112 may be formed of a fiber reinforced nylon material. Morespecifically, the outer cover 112 may be formed of a fiber reinforcednylon material comprising glass fibers. More specifically, the outercover 112 may include 40% glass fiber. As can be seen from FIG. 4B, thesensors may be provided within a common plane so that a thin low profilesensor assembly may be provided within packaging space restrictedenvironments, such as handles and appliques. While an external componentis illustrated herein, it is envisioned that the teachings herein may beapplied to other types of user interfaces of or for a motor vehicle,such as within the motor vehicle, such as, for example, to an inner doorhandle interface, to a stick shifter, to a steering wheel, or to avehicle joystick and/or the like.

FIGS. 5A-5B show parts within the handle assembly 110 in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure. Specifically, FIGS. 5A-5B show firstposts 118 that are integrally formed with the handle body 116 andconfigured to transfer force from the inner surface 117 to theforce-sensitive PCB 130. The force-based sensor may be provided as aforce-sensitive microchip mounted to the printed circuit board 130,which may act as a common printed circuit board provided for alsomounting of the radar sensor 120 as well as a microprocessor ofcontroller 101 and other electrical components, for example, foroperating the various sensors such as the passive keyless entry (PKE)antenna 134. The handle body 116 is configured to deform in response toa force applied to the inner surface 117. For example, the inner side ofthe handle body 116 may be thinned or otherwise locally weakened toprovide controlled deformation in response to a pulling force by a user,whereas other portions of the inner side of the handle body outside ofthe thinned or weakened portions may not deform in response to pullingforce by the user. This pulling force is sensed by the force-sensitivePCB 130, indicating that a user is pulling upon the handle assembly 110(or pressing outwardly at the inwardly facing inner surface of thehandle body).

FIGS. 6A-6C show parts within the handle assembly 110 in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure. Specifically, FIGS. 6A-6C show secondposts 114 that are integrally formed with or disposed at an in contactwith the outer cover 112 and configured to transfer force at the outersurface 113 to the force-sensitive PCB 130. The outer cover 112 isconfigured to deform in response to a force applied to the outer surface113. For example, the outer cover 112 may be thinned or otherwiselocally weakened to provide controlled deformation in response topushing force by a user. This pushing force is sensed by theforce-sensitive PCB 130, indicating that a user is pushing upon thehandle assembly 110 (such as in a direction toward the vehicle). In someembodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C the outer surface 113 may bethinned or recessed in a particular region 113A that may function as adeformable button, whereas other portions of the outer surface 113outside of the particular region 113A may not deform in response topushing force by a user.

The force-sensitive PCB 130 or force sensitive chip may be configured todetect a positive and/or negative strain applied thereto and to output asignal to the controller 101, which is programmed, e.g., via softwareinstructions stored in a local memory, to determine direction ofapplication of a force to the force-sensitive PCB 130 or force sensitivechip. For example, a positive and negative strain may be detected basedon whether the force on the force-sensitive PCB 130 or force sensitivechip is received from one side or the other side of the force-sensitivePCB 130 or force sensitive chip, as a result of a push on the front orouter side of the handle 110 as seen in FIG. 6C for indicating lockinput to the handle 110, or as a result of a pull applied to the innerside of the handle 110 as seen in FIG. 5A for indicating an unlock inputto the handle 110, for example, where each input may cause a respectivenegative or positive strain to the PCB 130 or force sensitive chip.Optionally, the system may provide a door unlocking function responsiveto a pushing force at one exterior portion of the handle body and a doorlocking function responsive to a pushing force an another exteriorportion of the handle body (such as for flush or retractable doorhandles or the like).

FIGS. 7A-7B show details of the PKE antenna 134, which is co-planar withthe PCB 130 and electrically connected thereto.

FIGS. 8A-8E show finite element analysis (FEA) plots of a handle body116, which may also be called an inner handle cover 116. Specifically,FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate forces applied by four fingers on an insidesurface thereof of the handle body 116. FIG. 8C illustrates internalstrains in the handle body 116 resulting from a 10N force at fingerlocation 1. FIG. 8D illustrates internal strains in the handle body 116resulting from a 10N force at finger location 2. FIG. 8E illustratesinternal strains in the handle body 116 resulting from a 10N force atfinger location 3. FIG. 8F illustrates internal strains in the handlebody 116 resulting from a 10N force at finger location 4.

Therefore, the vehicular exterior component may comprise an exteriordoor handle assembly at a side door (such as a driver-side door or apassenger side door) of a vehicle (or a rear door or liftgate ortailgate of a vehicle). A force-based sensor may be disposed within thehandle portion of the door handle assembly and may sense or detect aforce applied at an outer wall or surface of the handle portion. Theforce-based sensor may be configured to sense an inwardly directed force(such as pushing at an outer surface of the door handle), such as for alocking function (whereby the door is locked when such an inwardlydirected force is detected) and/or to sense an outwardly directed force(such as pulling at the handle portion or pressing against an inner orinwardly facing surface of the handle portion, which may face toward apocket region of the door handle), such as for an unlocking function(whereby the door is unlocked when such an outwardly directed force isdetected). The system may trigger the door lock or unlock functionresponsive to sensing by the force-based sensor of a respective force ator above a threshold force or level, such as, for example, sensing of aforce at the door handle portion that is at or above 5 N or at or above10 N or at or above 20 N or any other threshold force applied at thehandle portion.

Another sensor may be disposed in the exterior door handle assembly orhandle portion of the exterior door handle assembly, and the othersensor may be configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation throughthe outer wall of the handle portion or to receive electromagneticradiation through the outer wall of the handle portion. Optionally, thereceived radiation or signals may be signals reflected off objectspresent in close proximity to the vehicle door, whereby the door unlockfunction may be restricted if an object is detected that will impact thedoor if the door is opened. Optionally, the other sensor may receiveradiation or signals transmitted by another device, and/or the receivedreflected radiation or signals may be processed, for detecting and/oridentifying an authorized user of the vehicle that is exterior thevehicle and approaching the vehicle, whereby the door unlock functionmay be restricted unless an authorized user is determined to be presentat the vehicle.

Optionally, the exterior assembly may include a sensor that is used forobject detection at the exterior region adjacent to the vehicle (todetermine whether or not the vehicle door can be opened withoutimpacting a detected object) and may include another sensor thatdetermines whether an authorized user is at the vehicle. Thus, thesystem may, responsive to determination that an authorized user ispresent at the vehicle, unlock the door responsive to the force-basedsensor detecting a threshold force at the door handle. The system mayalso function to limit or restrict or preclude unlocking or opening ofthe door responsive to detection of an obstacle in the path of the door.Thus, the door may be unlocked only when three conditions are met,namely, identification of an authorized user (via a key fob or passiveentry device), detection of an unlocking force at the door handle, andno detection of an obstacle in the path of the door.

The exterior component may utilize aspects of the components and handleassemblies described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,569,697; 9,484,626; 8,786,401and/or 6,977,619, and/or U.S. Publication Nos. US-2020-0130646;US-2020-0102773 and/or US-2014-0292004, which are all herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or featuresof a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A vehicular exterior component, thevehicular exterior component comprising: a first sensor disposed withinthe vehicular exterior component adjacent to a first portion of an outerwall of the vehicular exterior component, the first sensor configured totransmit electromagnetic radiation through the outer wall of thevehicular exterior component or to receive electromagnetic radiationthrough the outer wall of the vehicular exterior component; a secondsensor disposed within the vehicular exterior component adjacent to asecond portion of the outer wall remote from the first portion andconfigured to receive and sense a force applied at the second portion ofthe outer wall of the vehicular exterior component; wherein the secondportion of the outer wall adjacent the second sensor is configured todeform responsive to the force applied at the second portion to transmitthe force applied at the second portion to the second sensor, andwherein the first portion of the outer wall adjacent the first sensordoes not deform responsive to a force applied at the first portion; andwherein the first sensor, responsive to transmitting or receivingelectromagnetic radiation, communicates a first signal to an electroniccontrol unit for determining presence of an object adjacent thevehicular exterior component based on the transmitted or receivedelectromagnetic radiation; and wherein the second sensor, responsive toreceiving and sensing the force applied at the second portion,communicates a second signal to the electronic control unit forcontrolling a vehicle function based on the force received and sensed bythe second sensor.
 2. The vehicular exterior component of claim 1,wherein the outer wall adjacent the first sensor and the second sensorcomprises an outer class-A surface of the vehicular exterior component.3. The vehicular exterior component of claim 2, wherein the outerclass-A surface presents a smooth and uninterrupted surface in a regionaround the first sensor and the second sensor.
 4. The vehicular exteriorcomponent of claim 1, wherein the first sensor comprises an antenna andthe second sensor comprises a force-based sensor, and wherein the firstportion of the outer wall is disposed over the antenna and is configuredto transmit the electromagnetic radiation to or from the antenna.
 5. Thevehicular exterior component of claim 4, wherein the outer wall isconfigured to be electromagnetically transparent to the electromagneticradiation.
 6. The vehicular exterior component of claim 1, wherein theelectronic control unit is disposed within the vehicular exteriorcomponent.
 7. The vehicular exterior component of claim 6, wherein theelectronic control unit and the first sensor and the second sensor aremounted on a printed circuit board.
 8. The vehicular exterior componentof claim 7, wherein the printed circuit board comprises a first side andan opposite second side separated by a thickness of the printed circuitboard, and wherein the first sensor is provided on the first side andthe second sensor is provided on at least one selected from the groupconsisting of the first side and the opposite second side.
 9. Thevehicular exterior component of claim 8, wherein the second sensor isprovided on at least one of the first side and the opposite second sideas an array of sensors.
 10. The vehicular exterior component of claim 7,further comprising a third sensor electrically coupled to the electroniccontrol unit.
 11. The vehicular exterior component of claim 10, whereinthe third sensor comprises an antenna, and wherein the antenna of thefirst sensor is configured as a short-range RADAR antenna, and whereinthe antenna is configured to, with the vehicular exterior componentmounted at a vehicle, receive the electromagnetic radiation as areflection from an object located exterior the vehicular exteriorcomponent, and wherein the antenna of the third sensor is configured asa passive keyless entry (PKE) antenna configured to receive anelectromagnetic signal from a device located exterior the vehicle, andwherein the third sensor, responsive to receiving the electromagneticsignal from the device located exterior the vehicle, communicates athird signal to the electronic control unit for authenticating thedevice located exterior the vehicle.
 12. The vehicular exteriorcomponent of claim 11, wherein the electronic control unit (i) isconfigured to determine presence of the object adjacent the vehicularexterior component responsive to receiving the first signal from thefirst sensor and based on the received electromagnetic radiation, (ii)is configured to authenticate the device responsive to receiving thethird signal from the third sensor and based on the electromagneticsignal received from the device located exterior the vehicle and (iii)is configured to control the vehicle function responsive to receivingthe second signal from the second sensor and based on the force receivedand sensed by the second sensor after authenticating the device.
 13. Thevehicular exterior component of claim 11, wherein the first sensor, thesecond sensor, and the third sensor are disposed within a common plane.14. The vehicular exterior component of claim 13, wherein the printedcircuit board is provided within the common plane, the printed circuitboard comprising a cutout in which the third sensor is disposed.
 15. Thevehicular exterior component of claim 14, wherein the second sensorincludes a force-sensitive printed circuit board (PCB), and wherein theantenna of the third sensor is disposed in a common plane with theforce-sensitive printed circuit board.
 16. The vehicular exteriorcomponent of claim 1, further comprising structure extending from theouter wall into the vehicular exterior component and configured to applythe force to the second sensor in response to a force applied to thesecond portion of the outer wall.
 17. The vehicular exterior componentof claim 1, wherein the vehicular exterior component comprises a handleassembly defining the outer wall, the handle assembly configured to becoupled to a door of a vehicle.
 18. The vehicular exterior component ofclaim 17, wherein, with the handle assembly coupled to the door of thevehicle, the first sensor faces outwardly from the vehicle, and whereinthe second sensor is at least one of facing outwardly from the vehicleand facing inwardly towards the vehicle.
 19. The vehicular exteriorcomponent of claim 18, wherein the second portion of the outer wall ofthe vehicular exterior component includes a surface facing toward thevehicle, and wherein the second sensor is responsive to a force appliedto the surface facing toward the vehicle.
 20. The vehicular exteriorcomponent of claim 19, wherein the handle assembly is configured to bepivotally coupled to the door of the vehicle.
 21. The vehicular exteriorcomponent of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the outer wallcomprises a class-A surface disposed over the second sensor, and whereinthe second sensor is responsive to a force applied to the class-Asurface of the outer wall, and wherein the class-A surface includes anouter surface that, with the vehicular exterior component mounted at avehicle, faces outwardly from the vehicle, and wherein the first sensorcomprises an antenna disposed within the vehicular exterior componentadjacent to the first portion of the outer wall and configured totransmit radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation through theouter wall or to receive RF electromagnetic radiation through the outerwall.
 22. A handle assembly for a door of a vehicle, the handle assemblycomprising: a force-based sensor responsive to a force applied at anouter wall of the handle assembly, wherein a first portion of the outerwall of the handle assembly is configured to deform to transmit theforce applied at the outer wall of the handle assembly to theforce-based sensor; an antenna disposed within the handle assemblyadjacent to a second portion of the outer wall of the handle assemblyremote from the first portion and configured to transmit radio-frequency(RF) radiation through the outer wall or to receive RF radiation throughthe outer wall; and wherein the first portion of the outer wall isconfigured to deform responsive to the force applied at the outer wallof the handle assembly to transmit the force applied at the outer wallof the handle assembly to the force-based sensor, and wherein the secondportion of the outer wall does not deform responsive to the forceapplied at the outer wall of the handle assembly; wherein theforce-based sensor, responsive to receiving the force applied at theouter wall of the handle assembly, communicates a first signal to anelectronic control unit for controlling a vehicle function based on theforce applied at the outer wall of the handle assembly; and wherein theantenna, responsive to transmitting or receiving RF radiation,communicates a second signal to the electronic control unit for (i)determining presence of an object located adjacent the door based on thetransmitted or received RF radiation, or (ii) authenticating a devicelocated exterior the vehicle based on the transmitted or received RFradiation.
 23. The handle assembly of claim 22, wherein the handleassembly is pivotally coupled to the door of the vehicle.
 24. The handleassembly of claim 22, wherein the antenna includes at least one of ashort-range RADAR antenna and a passive keyless entry (PKE) antennaconfigured to receive a RF signal from a device located outside of thevehicle.
 25. The handle assembly of claim 24, wherein the antennaincludes both of the short-range RADAR antenna and the PKE antenna. 26.The handle assembly of claim 25, wherein the short-range RADAR antenna,the PKE antenna, and the force-based sensor are all disposed in a commonplane.
 27. The handle assembly of claim 22, further comprising an innerwall having a surface facing inward toward the vehicle, wherein theforce-based sensor is responsive to a force applied to the inner wall.28. The handle assembly of claim 22, wherein the force-based sensorincludes a force-sensitive printed circuit board, and wherein theantenna is disposed in a common plane with the force-sensitive printedcircuit board.
 29. An interface device for a closure of a vehicle, theinterface device comprising: a housing having a wall; at least oneforce-based sensor disposed within the housing adjacent a first portionof the wall and configured to sense a force applied to the first portionof the wall; a second sensor disposed within the housing adjacent asecond portion of the wall remote from the first portion and configuredto sense a signal through the wall of the housing; wherein the firstportion of the wall adjacent the at least one force-based sensor isconfigured to deform responsive to a force applied at the first portionto transmit the force applied at the first portion to the at least oneforce-based sensor, and wherein the second portion of the wall adjacentthe second sensor does not deform responsive to a force applied at thesecond portion; a controller in communication with the force-basedsensor and the second sensor; wherein the controller is configured todetermine, based on the force applied to the first portion of the walland sensed by the force-based sensor, a strain direction applied to theforce-based sensor for controlling a vehicle function based on thedetermined strain direction; and wherein the controller is configured todetermine, based on the signal sensed by the second sensor, presence of(i) an object located adjacent the closure, or (ii) a device locatedexterior the vehicle.
 30. The interface device of claim 29, wherein theinterface device comprises a door handle of a door of the vehicle. 31.The interface device of claim 30, wherein the controller controls a doorlocking function responsive to determination of the strain directionbeing inward toward an interior of the vehicle, and wherein thecontroller controls a door unlocking function responsive todetermination of the strain direction being outward away from theinterior of the vehicle.
 32. The interface device of claim 29, whereinthe second sensor comprises a passive keyless entry (PKE) antennaconfigured to transmit electromagnetic radiation through the wall of thehousing or to receive electromagnetic radiation through the wall of thehousing.